Mangaluru Gets Ready For Water Metro: 17 Stations Planned In First Phase On 30 Km Route Along Nethravathi And Gurupura Rivers

In a major push towards sustainable urban mobility, the Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) has announced plans for the Mangaluru Water Metro Project (MWMP), aimed at transforming public transportation across Mangaluru using the city’s river networks.

This ambitious project, set to become India’s second-largest water transport system after Kochi, promises an eco-friendly, efficient, and economical mode of travel for residents, according to KMB officials.

The MWMP’s planned route will span approximately 30 kilometers in phases, connecting isolated communities from Bajal to Maravoor and supporting local development.

The initial phase will prioritise a route from Bajal on the Nethravathi River to the Maravoor Bridge on the Gurupura, including 17 modern metro stations at key locations such as Someshwara Temple, Ullal, and New Mangalore Port.

Electric and diesel catamaran boats equipped with modern amenities will ensure a comfortable travel experience, reports Deccan Herald.

A Feasibility Report (FR) is being prepared to analyse the project’s cost-benefit ratio, market potential, and environmental impact. This assessment will guide decision-makers and investors on the project’s long-term viability.

Key analysis will include cargo movement potential through Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) services, tidal influences, and integration with feeder networks for last-mile connectivity,

The project’s Terms of Reference (ToR) stress sustainable development and include extensive site surveys, LIDAR mapping, bathymetric studies, and topographical assessments.

Technical studies from national institutes will further support planning for wave tranquillity, vessel clearance, and jetty infrastructure, ensuring the MWMP meets safety and environmental standards.

An environmental monitoring program will assess air and water quality, noise levels, and aquatic biodiversity, aligned with guidelines from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MOEF&CC).

The MWMP is projected to ease road congestion and reduce air pollution while exploring non-fare revenue sources for financial sustainability. A socio-economic impact assessment will also gauge its contributions to regional growth, with anticipated revenue from passenger fares and related services.

With three national highways, a bustling port, and an airport, Mangaluru is now set to benefit from eco-friendly waterway connectivity along the Nethravathi (NW-74) and Gurupura (NW-43) rivers.